Dog Walker - Full Training Provided

Gizmo’s & Gadget’s K9 Services | Consett, County Durham

Part-time | Weekday availability required

Join the G&G’s team!

Gizmo’s & Gadget’s K9 Services is a busy, growing and passionate dog walking business based in Consett, County Durham, and we’re looking for a friendly, reliable and enthusiastic new team member to join us!

We’re a small, close-knit team who take enormous pride in providing a safe, professional and personalised service to our clients and their dogs. We’re looking for somebody who shares those values, genuinely loves working with animals and is excited about becoming part of what we do.

We’re currently recruiting ahead of a period of maternity leave. We’re hoping to welcome somebody new for training and induction from December 2026, with regular cover required from January onwards. The position will initially involve providing additional support during maternity leave from January 2027, with the possibility of longer-term opportunities depending on our future staffing requirements.

Previous professional experience with dogs would be a brilliant advantage, but isn’t essential. We’re much more interested in finding the right person, with the right attitude, reliability and willingness to learn. Full training will be provided!

What the role involves

Our working days involve collecting dogs from their homes in our purpose-equipped dog walking vans, transporting them to our secure enclosed fields, managing group walks and making sure every dog receives the care, attention and supervision they deserve.

Responsibilities include:

• Safely collecting and returning dogs to clients’ homes using our company vans.
• Driving between client properties, our secure walking fields and other locations throughout the working day.
• Handling and supervising groups of dogs of different breeds, sizes, ages and personalities.
• Following individual care instructions, collection arrangements and established safety procedures.
• Providing high-quality photos, videos and updates to clients throughout the day.
• Communicating confidently and professionally with clients.
• Using mobile apps and social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok.
• Cleaning and maintaining company vehicles, equipment and working areas.
• Working outdoors throughout the year, whatever the British weather throws at us!
• Working closely with our small, friendly team, while developing the confidence to manage responsibilities independently.

We’re a busy, fast-paced and highly client-focused business, so excellent organisation, reliability, good judgement and attention to detail are really important.

Availability and working arrangements

Please read carefully before applying.

• This is a self-employed position, with working hours varying depending on bookings, staff availability and business requirements.
• We’re initially looking for somebody who can offer a minimum of 2–3 weekdays of full availability, with flexibility across the working week particularly valuable.
• Our usual working hours fall between approximately 7:30am and 5pm, although individual shifts may vary.
• Availability on Thursdays and Fridays would be particularly beneficial.
• Hours and working days may change from week to week, and specific weekly hours cannot be guaranteed. However, the position is likely to receive between 18-25 hours most weeks. Opportunities for additional hours during busier periods and staff holidays.
• Weekend opportunities may also be available at a higher hourly rate.
• Training will begin during November/December 2026, ahead of the main maternity-cover requirement from January 2027. There may be opportunities for the position to continue beyond the initial maternity-cover period into a permanent role depending on business needs.

This opportunity would particularly suit somebody whose current circumstances allow them good weekday flexibility and who is comfortable with variable working hours.

What we’re looking for

Essential requirements:

• Age 21+ for vehicle insurance purposes. Full & Clean UK driving licence required.
• Reliable transport to and from our base in Consett. Must live within a 20mile radius of Consett.
• Confidence driving, or willingness to learn to drive, larger vehicles and vans.
• A genuine love of dogs and confidence around different breeds, sizes and temperaments.
• A responsible, sensible and safety-conscious approach to working with animals.
• Excellent reliability, punctuality and organisation.
• Strong communication skills and a friendly, professional manner.
• Confidence using smartphones, apps and technology.
• The ability to take good-quality photographs and videos.
• Good physical fitness and willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• A willingness to learn, follow established procedures and take responsibility for the dogs in your care.

Desirable, but not essential:

• Previous experience in professional dog walking, dog daycare, kennels, animal care or similar environments.
• Experience handling multiple dogs at once.
• Previous driving experience.
• Familiarity with social media content creation.

We don’t expect applicants to know everything from day one. We’re looking for somebody who’s keen to learn, takes pride in doing things properly and would be a lovely addition to our small team!

Recruitment and training

We take training and safety seriously, and we want every new team member to feel confident and well-prepared. Suitable applicants will initially be invited to meet us, learn more about the business and discuss the opportunity. Candidates progressing further may be invited to attend practical introductory or assessment sessions, followed by a structured training and induction programme before taking on independent responsibilities.

A few little extras!

• The opportunity to spend your working days surrounded by some pretty wonderful dogs!
• A friendly, supportive and close-knit team - plenty of opportunity for out-of-work team socials!
• Structured training and opportunities to develop your dog-handling skills.
• Suitable, well-socialised staff dogs will be able to accompany team members for their working days.
• Discounted dog walking and boarding services may be available for staff, friends and family.
• Potential opportunities for additional weekend work and longer-term involvement with the business.

Pay

Starting from £13.00 per hour, with potential for future increases depending on experience, responsibilities and ongoing involvement with the business.

Interested in joining us?

We’d love to hear from you!

If you’re reliable, enthusiastic, love dogs and think you could be a great fit for G&G’s, please submit your application and tell us a little about yourself.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Pay: From £13.00 per hour

Expected hours: 18.0 – 30.0 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company car
• Employee discount
• Flexitime

Work Location: In person